Hungary celebrates its establishment and St. Stephen each August 20th. That’s the day our Brandg Vacations cruise down the Danube arrived in the storied cities. Yes, Buda is one side of the river and Pest is the other – now combined after years of Communist rule and other turmoil.
We ended our trip with 20+ Coachella Valley gays and lesbians on board along with our “KGAY Word of the Day” winners celebrating with the rest of the country. The nighttime cruise down the Danube was magical as you can see from the photo below. The buildings were lit in the colors of their flag. Music, food and festivities overtook the cities.
Getting out of the USA and experiencing other country’s cultures is humbling, revealing, and helps bring perspective to world events. As August ends, those who take a summer break from the heat had their own experiences.
You may have only traveled a few hours to see family and friends. Or you may have gone halfway around the world like I did. I know I’m fortunate to do so, and don’t take it for granted. But I do wish the slight cultural awakening I had this trip could be shared universally.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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DBA Networking Event & Scholarship Fundraiser at AMP Sports Lounge
Join the Desert Business Association (DBA), in partnership with Some Fabulous Leos (SFL Presents), at their Networking Event and Scholarship Fundraiser on Monday, August 22 at 5:30 pm at AMP Sports Lounge. Bring your checkbook or credit card to help raise funds for Youth Education Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities. Each year, Safe Schools Desert Cities presents over 30 scholarships to LGBTQ+ youth in our Coachella Valley toward higher education. For the last six years, DBA has raised funds, $1500 each, to support two of those educational scholarships. and would like to expand that. At this event, they will also announce a DBA member who is sponsoring a NEW $1500 scholarship! More info
Monkeypox Community Town Hall Meeting
The HIV + Aging Research Project (HARP-PS) is hosting another Monkeypox Community Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, August 23 at 6 pm on Zoom. County and State public health officials will provide updates on this rapidly growing concern. Help keep yourself and our community safe and get educated! More info
Get Certified as an LGBT Business Enterprise
The Desert Business Association invites LGBTQ business owners to attend How to Get Certified as an LGBT Business Enterprise, on Tuesday, August 23 from 12–1:30 pm. This free, 90-minute workshop will explain both how to get certified, and discuss the benefits of certification for businesses that are 51%+ owned/controlled by an LGBTQ person. Sponsored by and in partnership with T-Mobile, the NGLCC – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the Desert Business Association, and the other California LGBTQ Chambers — all who are working for your success. More info
CV Philharmonic Society Chamber Series
The CV Philharmonic Society presents the third installment in their Introductory Chamber Series, No. 3 Romantic Duo on Tuesday, August 23 from 6:30–8:30 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The Romantic Duo program features John Scanlon on viola and Richart Treat on cello. Proceeds benefit Youth Training Orchestras of America and the Palm Springs Cultural Center Theatre 3 Renovation. Get tickets
The Center Social at Hotel Zoso
The August Center Social presented by The LGBTQ Center of the Desert will be in the Lobby Lounge at Hotel Zoso on Wednesday, August 24 from 5:30–7 pm. Beat the heat and step into the lobby with refreshing drinks and community vibes for a good time meeting with your friends and also making new ones! More info
Desert Stonewall Democrats August Membership Meeting #2
The second August meeting of the Desert Stonewall Democrats takes place Thursday, August 25 from 6–7 pm at Mizell Center and on Zoom. This meeting will be devoted to candidates for positions on local City Councils and certain Boards. Come to hear the PAC recommendations and then members will vote on endorsements. Doors will open at 5:30 pm for some social time with refreshments before the meeting starts. More info
Palm Springs Art Museum Summer Film Series
The Palm Springs Art Museum and The Palm Springs International Film Society present the Summer Film Series on the last Thursday of the month, Thursday, August 25 at 6 pm with The Chambermaid. Directed by Lila Avilés, the film looks at the working environment of a chambermaid, Eve, who attempts to find her place in the world in one of Mexico City’s most luxurious hotels. Expected by guests to remain anonymous, Eve quietly observes their lives as she struggles to also care for her four-year-old son and attend adult education classes. This summer’s “Cine Mexicano” presents influential films that offer unique insights into the art and culture of Mexico. The screenings are free and coincide with the Free Thursday Nights program of the museum, supported by the City of Palm Springs. More info
Desert Blues Revival: The Delgado Brothers
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, August 24, The Delgado Brothers take the stage. Each week, come enjoy great bands playing Authentic Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock from all over the globe right here in your backyard. Get tickets
Jazzville: The Hilo Hi-Flyers
Jazzville, the live jazz scene presented by Barry Martin/DJ Baz and Take Five, takes place at the vibrant Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. Experience the hottest acts in jazz and step back in time to when all the cool cats came to play and put Palm Springs on the map! On Thursday, August 25 from 7–8:30 pm, Jazzville presents The Hilo Hi-Flyers for an evening of vintage tiki/Hawaiian jazz. The use of exotic instruments and sounds is essential to the authenticity of mid-century “exotica” music, and these stellar musicians were born to play them, keeping the tiki torch lit for armchair travelers. Cocktails, wine and delicious small bites will be available while bopping to the tunes of the evening. Get tickets
Theatre Thursday: Julie Garnyé
CVRep’s Theatre Thursdays are “Live on Stage,” and the current series wraps up this Thursday, August 25, with An Evening with Julie Garnye. An actress, singer, voiceover artist, writer, producer, director, and friend to CVRep, Julie is thrilled to be returning, after performing in Closer Than Ever earlier this season as well as being part of many concerts and fundraisers. Get tickets
THE PROM – Reviewed by Stephen Radosh
Our Gay Desert Guide Theatre Reviewer, Stephen Radosh, is back with a fresh review of the “light, funny, breezy musical” THE PROM, which is currently playing at The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Emma (Kaden Kearney) is a high school student who “finds herself suddenly in the spotlight and at the center of a national LGBT story when all she wanted to do was quietly go to the prom with her date and dance.” Find out why Stephen finds this “not very real” story “surprisingly satisfying,” when you read the full review [here]
THIS WEEKEND
DOGust Birthday Bash
Animal Samaritans invites you to attend its DOGust Birthday Bash at the Palm Springs Kimpton Rowan Hotel on Saturday, August 27 from 11 am–2 pm. For a $20 donation join the paw-ty and help celebrate the official birthday of rescue dogs with lunch bites, wine, birthday cake and a chance to win prizes. Dogs are allowed so bring your friendly and leashed pet. All proceeds benefit Animal Samaritans’ no-kill shelter. More info
Streetbar is Turning 31
Celebrate 31 years with a full day of fun and celebration at Streetbar on Saturday, August 27. A Desert Tradition since 1991, Streetbar is “The friendliest gay bar in Palm Springs,” with great entertainment and the valley’s best bartenders and best (some say strongest!) drinks. Located on Arenas Road, they have karaoke, a smoking patio, extended happy hour (9:30 am–8 pm), and daily top shelf specials. Streetbar was also named as the Grand Marshal of the Palm Springs Pride Parade in 2021. More info
Oscar’s T-Dance Hot Summer Swimsuit Contest
At Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs, you can dance into the evening at the Sunday T-Dance, from 5–9 pm. This Palm Springs institution is even hotter in August as the T-Dance has featured a Hot Summer Swimsuit Contest every week, continuing until Labor Day weekend. One winner receives $250 in cash and prizes each Sunday, then on Sunday September 4, a Grand Prize winner will win $1000 worth of cash and prizes. More info
FERRO Summer Music Festival
FERRO Italian restaurant in Idyllwild presents the FERRO Summer Music Festival, continuing now through Labor Day Weekend. Musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds will grace the outdoor stage, accompanied by refined Italian cuisine, cocktails, and cool mountain nights. With Jazz Nights, Blues & Soul, and Women in Jazz on Sundays, there is music on Mondays, Tuesdays, and all three nights of the weekend. Access to the performances, and cocktails on the patio, are available without reservations or cover charge. For restaurant seating, make a reservation. More info
LOOKING AHEAD
Palm Springs Pride Early Bird Registration Ends Saturday
The Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival Marketplace and Parade takes place November 5 & 6, with the festival returning to Palm Canyon Drive from Amado to Baristo, in the heart of Palm Springs. Exhibitors who wish to reserve their spot in the festival can register now at a discounted rate, but the early bird registration ends on Saturday, August 27. The festival hours will be Saturday, November 5 from 11 am–9 pm, and Sunday, November 6 from 11 am–4:30 pm. Click here for the online application
Purple Room Reopens August 30
The Purple Room Supper Club is gearing up to re-open for the season on Tuesday, August 30. The gin will be cold and the jazz will be hot as jazz legend Rose Mallett performs on Tuesdays & Thursdays with Darci Daniels & Charles Herrera serving up classic Rat Pack Era stylings on Wednesdays. The weekend entertainment for September is now posted on our event page, and tickets are on sale! Kicking off with Marilu Henner, September performers include Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, Brenna Whitaker, Clint Holmes, Scot Bruce, Chadwick Johnson, Lady Bunny and more! Get tickets
On the Air at KGAY 106.5
KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide have your chance to WIN tickets to Out on the Mountain at Six Flags Magic Mountain! The event takes place Friday, September 9 from 6 pm–midnight. The entire park goes gay for the night, which provides a safe and inclusive environment of fun for the LGBTQ community, with rides, dance parties, and performers. Enter to win on the KGAY Contest Page
Join all the handsome princes and evil queens at Gay Days Anaheim, courtesy of KGAY 106.5 and Gay Desert Guide! Gay Days takes place September 16–18 at Disneyland resort, a three-day weekend of parties, shows and events that make the happiest place on earth the gayest every year! [Click here] to find discounted hotels and park tickets along with a full schedule, and Enter to win tickets to Gay Days on the KGAY Contest Page
KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs is “The Pride of the Valley,” and you can show your Pride by proudly wearing our rainbow logo! Check out our selection of apparel and other items emblazoned with the best radio station call letters: KGAY! Shop now
The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday at noon, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect pool party music! Listen Online
- Fahrenheit – An Outdoor Fitness Class
Tue/Wed/Thu mornings at 7 am at Frances Stevens Park - Out on the Mountain
Fri. Sep 9 from 6 pm–midnight at Six Flags Magic Mountain - Gay Days Anaheim
Sep 16–18 at Disneyland Resort - Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
Sep 21–25 at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs - Pride Under the Pines
Sat. Oct 1 from 12–9 pm in Idyllwild - Palm Springs Leather Pride
Oct 27–30 at Hotel Zoso and various locations around Palm Springs
Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2022 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.
Listen to KGAY 106.5 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is now heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm.
Don’t miss “This Way Out,” Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 106.5. “This Way Out” is the only internationally distributed weekly LGBTQ radio program, currently airing on some 200 local community radio stations around the world. Listen to the latest episode as a podcast on our streaming page (click “Podcasts” in the upper right hand corner)